Wife of Boise pastor in Iran jail: 'He talks about beatings'

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BOISE, Idaho (KBOI) - A Boise man has been jailed in Iran since September and could soon be facing the death penalty. The pastor is getting ready to make a court appearance before a judge who's been known to hand-out the stiffest of punishments.

Saeed Abedini was captured four months ago accused of preaching Christianity. His wife, Naghmeh, says he was there starting an orphanage.

"It was weeks and weeks before I heard his voice," said Naghmeh Abedini. "He's shared that he really misses the kids and me and really wants to be home. I wanted to tell him we're fighting for him here, but I could because I knew his phone was being listened too."

She has learned more from her husband through written communication.

"He talks about beatings in his letter," said Naghmeh. "He talks about them being cruel one day and the next being nice and offering him candy."

Through all the mental and physical abuse she says Saeed remains hopeful he will be released. He wants to not only to see her, but their children, 6-year-old Rebecca and 4-year-old Jacob.

"They say how many days mommy? I just can't tell them and it's been hard telling them I don't know," said Naghmeh.

She says they don't fully understand what's happening and all they want is their dad back. When asking her what she would say to her husband leading up to his trial...

"I would tell him I'm proud of him," said Naghmeh. "He has hope even through the persecutions and we're all fighting for him. He would be blessed by that."

The trial starts in Iran on Monday. Naghmey has been reaching out to anyone who may be able to help. Idaho's congressional delegation is taking some action. Senators Crapo and Risch sent a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urging the State Department to do whatever they can to free Abedini.